Varicocoele repair

Procedures we perform

ABOUT VARICOCOELE REPAIR

What is a varicocoele repair?

A varicocele occurs due to pooling of blood in veins above the testicle.

Varicocoele repair is an operation to reduce the flow of blood in these veins.

Why is a varicocoele repair required?

Varicocoeles are common and don’t always need treatment.

A varicocoele repair may be required if a varicocoele is causing:

Pain in the scrotum.

Reduced fertility, due to impaired sperm production.

Abnormal growth of the testicle during puberty.

Varicocoele

A varicocele is a mass in the scrotum which occurs due to pooling of blood in veins above the testicle. It can cause pain in the scrotum and affect fertility and the growth of the testes.

Male infertility

Male infertility is the inability to conceive a child due to problems with sperm production, function, or delivery.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a varicocoele repair involve?

Varicocoele repair is usually performed as a laparoscopic (keyhole) operation, through three to four keyhole incisions in the abdomen.

The testicular vein which travels from the abdomen into the scrotum is located and clipped or cauterised. This prevents blood from flowing backwards down the vein into the scrotum.

After a varicocoele repair, your body will divert blood away from your testicle via an alternative vein, so the blood supply to your testicle will not be affected.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery after a varicocoele repair?

Varicocoele repair can be performed as a day surgery or with a one night stay in hospital.

It is common to have mild pain in the wounds and your scrotum for a few days after the procedure.

You can usually return to normal activities, including work, three to five days after a varicocoele repair, but you need to avoid vigorous physical activity for approximately two weeks.